Northern Ireland

'North Antrim UDA' link investigated after gun and ammo found in woods

Police are conducting enquiries after a shotgun and ammunition were found in woodland outside Dervock in Co Antrim.
Police are conducting enquiries after a shotgun and ammunition were found in woodland outside Dervock in Co Antrim.

Police are investigating the possibility a sawn-off shotgun and ammunition found in a Co Antrim woodland may be linked to the UDA.

The firearm and cartridges were found in an area outside Dervock in Co Antirm on Wednesday afternoon.

Police said the items were removed for further forensic examination following an initial probe by ammunition technical officers.

An "extensive search" of the woodland was also conducted.

PSNI Detective Inspector Ray Phelan said: "Officers from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force are carrying out enquiries, and one line of enquiry is that the weapon may have been under the control of the North Antrim UDA.

“I am appealing to anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to please get in touch.

“The woodland, which is just outside Dervock, is accessible by the Conogher Road.  I’m particularly keen to hear from anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in this area.  

“Please contact our officers on 101, quoting reference number 1056 of 26/04/2023."